Musicians Ltd School of Performing Arts opened its three-performance production of Disney’s “The Lion King JR.” at the Harquail Theatre on 29 May, delivering a vibrant, high-energy show that highlighted the high standard of young talent currently emerging in the Cayman Islands.
The production saw two of its three performances completely sold out and audiences rewarding the cast with huge applause throughout the weekend. Featuring nearly 60 students ages 6 to 10, the show demonstrated remarkable professionalism from such a young cast. Despite their ages, the performers rose to the challenge of a demanding Broadway-style production filled with intricate choreography, strong vocal harmonies, colourful costumes and fast-paced scene work.
Leading the cast was Liyah Burton-Ebanks as Simba, Mati Gwekwete as Young Simba, Florence Kendall as Nala, Evangeline Hobden as Young Nala, Margot Murray as Rafiki, Louis Rosenfeld as Zazu, William Wigmore as Scar, Ava Grace Stephano as Timon and Gabrielle Scott as Pumbaa.
The wider cast featured students from a range of Cayman schools, including Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, Cayman Prep & High School, Cayman International School, Footsteps, Island Primary and St. Ignatius Catholic School, demonstrating the broad reach of Musicians Ltd’s performing arts community and the wealth of young talent across the Islands.
The production was developed over the past nine months by the Musicians Ltd Performing Arts Team. Co-Directors Gweneth Stabler and Jenna Angel worked alongside Musical Director Janine Stabler to bring the beloved story to life. Choreography was led by Jenna Angel, while acting direction was provided by Gweneth Stabler.
Some of these student performers will next represent both Musicians Ltd and the Cayman Islands this month at Walt Disney World, Florida, where they will perform at Disney Springs and participate in a Disney Broadway Magic Workshop led by official Disney cast members.
Following the success of “The Lion King JR”, attention now turns to the school’s next junior production, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid JR”. Auditions will take place on Saturday 13 June at 9.30am at the Musicians Ltd Studio, located at the Dot Com Centre on Dorcy Drive in George Town’s Industrial Park. The production is open to performers aged 6 – 10 and will be staged in May 2027.
For more information, contact [email protected] or follow @musiciansltd on social media for audition details.
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